Morrisons giving unsold food to community groups

Minnie’s Friends, a charity based in the town which aims to support those suffering from alcohol and drug dependency, mental health problems, homelessness, loneliness and debt, is the first local group to benefit from the scheme.

LOUGHBOROUGH’S Morrisons store has launched an initiative which aims to redistribute its unsold or unused food to help local community groups and organisations.

Minnie’s Friends , a charity based in the town which aims to support those suffering from alcohol and drug dependency, mental health problems, homelessness, loneliness and debt, is the first local group to benefit from the scheme.

Their volunteers were able to come to the store and collect the food that would previously have been wasted during the week.

This includes fresh fruit and vegetables as well as products such as tins and packets.

“The donations will mean that we can offer a wider selection of meals at our weekly drop-ins on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.”

The charity, which was founded in memory of a young woman who lost her battle with alcoholism, is now based at Loughborough’s United Reformed Church in Frederick Street.

Morrisons Loughborough store manager Richard Griffiths said: “Our customers care about preventing food waste and want us to make a positive contribution to local communities. We have started the programme with Minnie’s Friends but hope to work with other local community organisations as well.”

The scheme is being rolled out nationwide and follows a trial in over 100 Morrisons stores in Yorkshire and the North East last year.

Morrisons says the initiative “involves building a network of community organisations who can make use of the food”.

Andrew Clappen, Morrisons group corporate services director, said: “We don’t like the idea of good food going to waste and this programme will ensure that we find a home for the small amount of unsold food in our stores.”